2006-07-27

I know how to pick em: SelectSimilar routine

EDIT 4/6/2010: SelectSimilar has been present in vertical products such as AutoCAD Architecture, however, due to the popularity of this post, I'd like to note that in AutoCAD 2010, this command was included in a package of extra tools offered to subscription users, and in 2011, it is present in vanilla AutoCAD as a native command.

In MAP3D 2006 there is a tool, accessed by most via the right-click menu, called SelectSimilar. Once you’ve selected an object(s), you use this command to add all other similar entities throughout the drawing to your selection set. (I believe this tool is also available in Architectural Desktop [ADT])
I’ve heard quite a buzz on the newsgroups from MAP users who’ve upgraded to 2007 and are disappointed to see that this command is no longer available in it’s current form. That made me upset, so I’d been keeping my eyes open to see if anyone had come up with a routine which will accomplish the same thing… even going so far as asking people if they knew what sorts of things a command like that would look at and could they write something up.

Well… I finally found that special someone who could help me! Adam Wuellner, whose acquaintance I made via the Autodesk Newsgroups. He has kindly allowed me permission to post his code here: (edit: Adam updated his code, and I am posting the new in here 7/28/06)

;;; Select Similar
;;; (based on a command found in a few versions of AutoCAD)
;;; written by Adam Wuellner
;;; all rights released

If you’re not sure how to use this code, here are the steps to take:Copy the above code, paste into notepad, save as SelectSimilar.lsp into an appropriate location on your hard drive.

When in AutoCAD (whatever flavor) type APPLOAD at the command line, navigate to the .lsp file you’ve just created (while accessing APPLOAD look for the little briefcase icon, where you can set to have the routine load on startup).

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About Me

A little more about me...

I work as a Solution Architect for an IWMS consulting firm.

Prior to this role, I spent a couple years as an Archibus System Administrator (CAFM/CMMS) for a financial services institution, helping my users be the best stewards of post-construction assets as they can be. Although, I spent the first 13+ years of my FM career in Engineering (MEP/FP) for a medical facility.

I began this blog because I love AutoCAD and Revit MEP and wanted to share that with local users.

I am also a Freelance Writer and Technical Editor (articles, web, podcasts and textbooks).

*AUGI* I joined the Autodesk Users Group International at AU2001. Spent six years serving as an Officer on the Board of Directors (2010/11-2017/01) and run the Annual Salary Survey as well as the @AUGIatAU social media account.